January 23rd, 2013

Athleticism:
+Lean frame for an NFL linebacker but not one that is maxed out
+Impressive burst to close and acceleration off the snap as a pass rusher
+Feet have some suddenness to them, shows it in flashes, can get lazy with them though
-Sideline to sideline ability missing if he’s slow to read and react

Intelligence/Effort:
+Very responsibility-sound, shows gap discipline and ability to set the edge consistently in running game
+Showed surprising ability to recognize plays in space after making transition to 4-3, grew into the role, showed off his versatility
+/-Gets himself into great positions but fails to finish plays far too often
-Lacks physicality, often appears reluctant to put his body on the line
-Motor can run cold from time to time, not an extra mile player in pursuit of the ball

Pass Rush:
+Disguises intentions and sets up blockers well, shows high football IQ
-Was not asked to do much blitzing at Texas A&M
-Power rush is negligible to say the least, lacks initial punch with his hands or ability to generate power from lower half
-Speed rush reliant by either running the circle or shooting an inside gap
-Struggles with resistance strength in his speed rush, gets pushed off his arc too easily

Run Support:
+Agility and short-area quickness to shoot gaps and make plays in the backfield
+Can lower his pad level and dip under blocks effectively
+Impressive hand usage to shed blockers with developed hand placement
-Pad level inconsistent, exposes his chest to blockers too much either way
-Struggles to handle cut blocks efficiently because of a lack of anticipation
-Lacks an anchor to take on blockers square and can be driven backwards
-Aims too low as a tackler, backs will slip out of his grasp too easily, lack of power

Coverage:
+Has turn and run ability in man coverage with loose hips and quick recognition
+Consistently initiates contact with his hands to slow receivers from getting into their routes
+Adequate range in coverage to play field side in zone, efficient footwork to cover ground
-Struggles to plant and break on the ball in zone coverage, gets too high and stops his feet at times
-Ball skills are poor overall, uncomfortable playing the ball with his hands

Overall:
Sean Porter is one of the most enigmatic prospects in this year’s draft. His film has a lot of up’s and a lot of down’s. Porter grew into his role as his senior season progressed, which brought out more physicality and conviction. Even so, he appears disinterested in getting physical at times which is a big no-no for a linebacker. Combine that with a lack of natural strength and you’ve got yourself a limited linebacker. Porter’s saving grace is a high football IQ and some schematic versatility. He showed up big in Texas A&M’s biggest games of the year too, namely against Alabama. His value should be highest for 3-4 teams who hope to use him as a pass rush specialist early on with hopes that he will build on his frame. He could just as easily be drafted by a 4-3 team considering the growth he showed during his only season in the scheme. His limitations are just too much for me though and his final grade will be somewhere in the middle rounds, though his quickness and awareness could push him higher than that in the draft.
From Darren Page, DLD Writer